Dangerous Effects of Depakote

The regularly prescribed anti-seizure medication known as Depakote has been linked to birth defects and liver damage. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Depakote has been associated with fetal deaths, congenital malformations, spina bifida, and other defects related to the failure of the spinal canal to close normally. Approximately 1 to 2% of children born to women with epilepsy taking Depakote in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy had these defects. Women who become pregnant while taking Depakote should be warned that it causes birth defects, and cognitive impairment in the newborn, especially at high doses. A study in MedPage showed that children of mothers taking Depakote during pregnancy are at risk for significantly lower IQs. According to a second study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the use of valproic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of spina bifida. "Exposure to valproic acid monotherapy was recorded for a total of 180 registrations, with 122 registrations in the case group, 45 in control group 1, and 13 in control group 2. As compared with no use of an antiepileptic drug during the first trimester (control group 1), use of valproic acid monotherapy was associated with significantly increased risks for 6 of the 14 malformations under consideration; the adjusted odds ratios were as follows: spina bifida, 12.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7 to 20.7); atrial septal defect, 2.5 (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.4); cleft palate, 5.2 (95% CI, 2.8 to 9.9); hypospadias, 4.8 (95% CI, 2.9 to 8.1); polydactyly, 2.2 (95% CI, 1.0 to 4.5); and craniosynostosis, 6.8 (95% CI, 1.8 to 18.8). Results for exposure to valproic acid were similar to results for exposure to other antiepileptic drugs."

Spina bifida (Myelomeningocele) is a dangerous birth defect in which the spinal canal and backbone fail to close before birth. The condition is characterized by a large, dark sac sticking out of a newborns lower back. Symptoms may include paralysis of the legs, loss of any bladder control, excess fluid in the skull, and lack of sensation. After birth, surgery must be performed to repair the defect and protect the exposed spinal cord. Children who suffer from spina bifida have a 90% chance of suffering from hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull, which causes immense swelling. Symptoms include vomiting, sleepiness, and eyes that appear to gaze downward. Treatment involves a complex neurosurgical procedure in which the excess fluid is drained into other areas of the body. In the case that hydrocephalus goes untreated, learning disabilities and coordination problems are common.

In addition to severe birth defects, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "cases of life-threatening pancreatitis have been reported in both children and adults receiving Depakote. Some of the cases have been described as hemorrhagic with a rapid progression from initial symptoms to death." Children may be at even greater risk for liver problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection). Other side effects of Depakote include hair loss, abdominal pain, infections, weight loss, emotional problems, memory loss, and uncontrollable eye movements.

What is Depakote?

Also known as Depakote ER or Depakote Sprinkles, Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a drug most commonly used to treat seizures and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder or depression. Though less common, Depakote is also prescribed for severe migraines and for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Valproic acid, the main compound in Depakote, functions by having the ability to affect the function of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an amino acid which helps induce sleep by balancing the brain and limiting levels of excitement.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, phenelzine), certain benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam, diazepam), mefloquine, other medications for seizure (e.g., carbamazepine, ethosuximide, felbamate, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), rifampin, warfarin, zidovudine.